The poll, that highlights loneliness among older people, found a fifth had lost touch with their relatives, while a tenth heard from their friends or family less than once a month.
Many of the 1,000 over 65s in the YouGov poll for Stannah Stairlifts said they rely on mobile phones and the internet to keep in touch.
Nearly two in three said instant-messaging services, including text, WhatsApp and social media platforms were among their preferred ways of communicating.
Leslie Rocker, 90, from Wiltshire, has moved into sheltered accommodation.
He said: “I suddenly found myself isolated.
“My son, who lives in Shrewsbury, calls every week. He is a very dutiful son, and I love him dearly. But there is no contact.
“One doesn’t want to impose.”
Patrick Stannah, managing director at Stannah, said: “We should all make use of the opportunities technology brings as well as taking more time to make a call, invite someone over or just pop in”.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
